Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1216. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to ensure that other types of incentive schemes to encourage on farm adoption of technology which helps to reduce emissions is being investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56897/23]
View answerAdoption of technologies on farm can help reduce emissions. A number of these technologies are being currently being supported by my Department, particularly under CAP Strategic Plan, while others are cost beneficial in their own right.
Funding from the CAP Strategic Plan has increased the adoption of numerous efficiency measures, including both the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme sucklers (BEEP-S) and the National Dairy Beef Welfare scheme. An equivalent scheme is also available for the sheep sector- the Sheep Improvement Scheme. These schemes support decision making on farms through better quality data that increase economic and environmental efficiency on farms. Further actions specifically focused on reducing on farm emissions are also included in the Eco-Scheme and ACRES including the use of LESS equipment, the use of multispecies and red clover swards, planting of native woodlands and extensive livestock production systems.
Under the Climate Action Plan, a number of measures which reduce emissions but also positively influence productivity and/or financial performance on farm are included. For example, reducing the average finishing age of cattle across the decade through genetic improvement and improving production efficiencies on our farms. Linking the reduction of emissions with increased animal/financial performance will continue to increase adoption rates.
Recent downward trends in fertiliser usage are, I believe, also being driven by economics- the challenge is to consolidate this change for example via the Nitrates Action Programme which includes targets for the reduced use of chemical nitrogen.
The National Biomethane Strategy is being finalised and will provide opportunities for farmers and land owners to convert feedstocks such grass and slurry into a renewable gas which can, in turn, produce heat, electricity or vehicle fuels.
My Department will continuing to invest in research to broaden the options available to farmers to help reduce emissions. For example, research in Teagasc has shown that feed additives can mitigate up to 30% of methane from enteric fermentation, in certain situations. We are continuing to invest in advancing this technology for incorporation into Ireland's pasture-based system of production, hence maximising on farm adoption rates. Teagasc and other advisors will continue to play a significant role in disseminating research around these new technologies to increase uptake among farmers.
